title: Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays.
abstract: In an electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA, or simply "gel shift"), a (32)P-labeled DNA fragment containing a specific DNA site is incubated with a cognate DNA-binding protein. The protein-DNA complexes are separated from free (unbound) DNA by electrophoresis through a nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel. The protein retards the mobility of the DNA fragments to which it binds. Thus, the free DNA will migrate faster than the DNA-protein complex. An image of the gel is used to reveal the positions of the free and bound radiolabeled DNAs.
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Carey
authors.forename: Craig L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Smale
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D024202:Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay / Q000379:methods*; D007553:Isotope Labeling; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D004247:DNA